• general
  • agriculture
  • finances
  • community
  • Where is Rooted NW located?

    Arlington Heights — about four miles east of Arlington, WA, and about an hour north of Seattle.

  • When should members join?

    ASAP! We have a membership process that allows you to test the waters as an explorer before committing to becoming a full member. The sooner you start that process, the sooner you can become a member, which lets you be part of our decision-making group and participate in design workshops. The sooner you join, the more capacity you’ll have to steer how the community is designed.

  • When will construction start?

    We don’t yet know because we’re still determining the permitting pathway. When construction can begins will be a function of the process we choose with regard to permitting. We’re hoping for a move-in date within the next 3 to 4 years.

  • How do I become a member?

    Step one is to attend one of our online info sessions. If you like what you hear, you can choose to become an explorer and take the first step toward getting to know us and the project better. Either way, we can also arrange a site visit for you (if you’re in the area, and COVID-19 willing).

  • Do I need to work in farming to live here?

    The short answer is no, but we hope to create a project that provides for the needs of farmers and those who wish to start farming by putting land access and housing together to help them get started. In fact, we are exploring ways to create housing discounts for farmers who want to be a part of Rooted NW. That said, we recognize that not every person will be a farmer, and we welcome people from all walks of life. However, everyone who lives here must support farming. That means having an understanding of what it takes to farm, which may include spreading manure on fields, bringing in crops late at night to beat the rain, and hearing roosters in the morning. In addition, there will also likely be people involved in the farming aspect of the project who live off-site.

  • How much will the houses cost?

    As of now, we estimate that homes will cost from $600,000 to around $1,200,000 depending on size and other factors. For example, we have to estimate the future cost of construction. We are working on affordability strategies, especially for households who plan to farm.

  • How can they be financed?

    The houses can be financed with regular approaches such as construction loans or mortgages. In addition, we will try to come up with private financing (i.e. loans from people) for qualifying folks.

  • Who is paying for everything? Is there a developer company behind this?

    We have been able to secure loans to cover startup and land costs from a mix of social-impact oriented individuals and a local bank that will be giving us favorable terms because they like our mission. There are no third parties running the show: we, the members, will collectively fulfill the role of what is traditionally “the developer,” and no one in the team is taking a profit. We may engage a developer to secure the  construction loan and manage the construction.

  • What does one actually buy?

    You will buy a home on a small lot, to which you will own title. In addition, you will become a member of the HOA that owns the village commons buildings and open spaces, infrastructure, and shared areas. This is like a regular condo ownership. Leading up to that you will be able to participate as a decision-maker on how that gets built by being a member of the community LLC. All members will have access to the farm infrastructure and land for no additional fee, and can implement plans with our agriculture circle that mesh well with our goals of long-term stewardship and a live permaculture master plan we’ll be maintaining. We may reserve 1 to 4 lots to sell ready-to-build, as long as the construction follows the CC&Rs that we will design together as members.

  • What is the current schedule for the project?

    We closed on the farmland on September 24th, 2020; that was the culmination of a 4-year process. Now we are working with an architect and consultants who will help us determine the permitting pathway. We plan to submit preliminary plat application by the end of 2022 and final plat application by the end of 2023. The time frame for construction depends upon permitting, but we’re hoping for a move-in date within the next 3 to 4 years.

  • Are there any particular skills required?

    Good communication skills, self awareness, and awareness of others.

  • Is there a single-floor unit designed for aging in place?

    Yes, having single-level homes for aging in place is definitely something that current members have expressed an interest in. However, single-level homes are more expensive to build than town homes.The designs will be determined by the members in coordination with the architect.

  • Are the buildings net-zero?

    This will be decided by the members in coordination with the architect. We are trying to balance sustainability with affordability.

  • Are the buildings resilient to earthquakes and flooding?

    All homes will be constructed according to current code with regards to earthquake proofing. Rooted NW is not on a flood plain, but due to a high water table, we do not plan to dig basements for the homes.

  • Will the housing be developed on the farmland?

    The homes will be in a single cluster on 5-10 acres, not sprinkled around the farm.

  • How much of a goal is sustainability for community and individual members?

    Sustainability is high on the list of priorities and values of the current members, but the overall sustainability aim of the community will depend upon the will and desires of the total membership.

  • Is there adequate water? And what is the source?

    Rooted NW is situated over a large aquifer. We will supply well water to the village and have a handful of sources for agricultural water.

  • What is the energy source? Will housing operate off-grid?

    The current members do not plan to be entirely off grid. We will have an independent water supply but will be hooked up to municipal power.

  • What are the anticipated monthly/yearly HOA dues?

    This is very hard to predict as there are still so many unknown factors. Ultimately it will be decided by the members, but our original intention was that HOA fees would cover the cost of shared utilities, upkeep of communal buildings, and taxes on the farmland.

  • Will there be a member with medical training on site?

    Maybe. We can’t guarantee this will always be the case, but we do have members with medical training in the community.

  • Will members have the opportunity to participate in decisions prior to move-in? What kind of decisions and what kind of commitment would be asked?

    Yes. Even as an explorer, we would expect you to participate in at least one sociocracy circle where decisions are made regarding the area it represents (e.g. finance, design, affordability, marketing, membership, etc.). In terms of the design of the village, members will participate in three to four weekend design workshops. (We have already held our site-planning workshop.)

  • Are members required to be vegan or vegetarian?

    No.

  • Are there anticipated shared material goods, e.g. TV, washers, dryers?

    Yes, but the details will be decided by the members. At the moment, we envision a shared pantry, laundry, toolshed/workshop, bike storage, etc.

  • How "close" will the community be? What are anticipated common activities?

    This depends entirely on the members, but our vision is of a close-knit, joyful community that wants to play together and enjoy shared meals several nights a week.

  • What are the shared responsibilities?

    As a member, you’re responsible for attending meetings, staying active in at least one sociocracy circle, and supporting the vision and values of the community. When we live in the village, there will be some “work days” to maintain and develop common functions.

  • How do you envision the communal farm/gardens to be organized?

    This will be decided by the members.

  • How much of the farmland will be commercial vs. individual vs. communal?

    We envision the village being developed over 5-10 acres, likely including communal gardens. We will have a permaculture master plan for the rest of the land but how exactly it gets allocated is up to the members.

  • How is the farmland allotted?

    Land allocation will be decided by the Agriculture circle and the members.

  • Is regenerative farming/carbon sequestration a goal for the soil?

    We will most definitely use and promote regenerative agriculture techniques that nurture the land and sequester carbon.

  • How do you envision the communal farm/gardens being organized?

    Our vision definitely includes integrating communal food gardens into the village design, but the scope, design, and ultimately the maintenance, will be determined by the members.

  • What part of the farmland will be commercial vs. individual vs. communal?

    This will be decided by the members.

  • Are members expected to contribute labor to the communal farm?

    If you aren’t a farmer, you won’t be required to work on the farm. However, you’re more than welcome to if you want to!